Foliage: Dark green leave are very small and broadly oval. Although the leaves are tiny, their quantity ensures good coverage and gives the plant a strong presence. Fall color is a strong red. Deciduous to semi-evergreen, dropping most of its leaves in winter.

Flowers: Unlike many cotoneasters, this plant rarely flowers or produces fruit. When flowering does occur, it is in late spring, with pink buds opening to tiny white flowers. Tiny red berries appear in fall if flowering has occurred.

Habit: Creeping, deciduous or semi-evergreen shrub typically 8 to 12 inches tall and 3 to 6 feet wide. Branches present an interesting herringbone pattern, with numerous small branches sprouting perpendicular to the main stems that come from the center of the plant. Stems can root to the ground as they creep.

Season: Year-round for texture and presence; spring through summer for green foliage; fall for red foliage.

Origin: This cotoneaster has a confused history. Most sources claim it originated as a sport (genetic mutation) of the species C. adpressus (creeping cotoneaster). Others say it is a sport of C. apiculatus (cranberry cotoneaster). Others believe it first occurred as a natural hybrid of these two species. A few plantsmen claim it is a sport of C. horizontalis. It shows certain traits of each of these three species. Whatever its exact genetic makeup, the names ‘Tom Thumb’ and ‘Little Gem’ refer to the same plant.

Cultivation: Grow in full sun to part shade. Tolerates a range of soil types provided drainage is good. Prefers regular moderate moisture but tolerates drought once established. Apply a thick mulch around the base of the plant and beneath the stems as they creep to prevent weeds. Site to allow it to creep and spread naturally to avoid having to prune, which can ruin the beautiful natural herringbone pattern of the branches and stems. Deer resistant. USDA Zones 4–7.
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One thought on “Tom Thumb Cotoneaster”

I have had four Tom Thumb Cotoneaster in a corner bed of my yard for several years. It is interspersed with three blue globe pines. The center item is a Praire Fire Crab. This is all growing in quite nicely. The cotoneaters stay low and compact and do not pose a pruning problem. I gave the blue globes plenty of room to grow to maturity. The is a nice frame for the front corner of my yard. Tom Thumb is a real winner (not so invasive as the other varieties. I agree, it would be great in a rock garden or stone wall area. It does stay very compact.